Jody Scheckter

Jody David Scheckter is a South African former auto racing driver. He was the 1979 Formula One World Drivers' Champion. His Formula 1 debut occurred at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen in 1972 with McLaren, where he ran as high as third place before spinning and finishing ninth. Immediately becoming a name to watch, he continued his development the following year, winning the 1973 SCCA L&M Championship and racing five times in F1. In France, he almost won in only his third start in F1 before crashing into Emerson Fittipaldi, the reigning World Champion. Known as a reckless driver he was suspended by McLaren for four races in 1973, however after witnessing his teammate killed in 1974 turned Scheckter into a more mature and calculating driver. He made 33 podiums winning 10 races.